Vertical banding machine

Abstract

Machine for applying elastic bands onto objects comprising at least two band holding devices for receiving the elastic band from the elastic band supply mechanism; stretching the elastic band for providing a band opening surrounded by the elastic band for accommodating a plurality of objects for banding therein; and, disengaging the elastic band from the holding devices for deploying the elastic band onto the plurality of objects; an actuator coupled to the band holding devices for moving the band holding devices between a first position for receiving the elastic band and a second position for disengaging the elastic band; and, a flip mechanism having the band holding devices and the actuator mounted thereto for moving the band holding devices from a band receiving position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially horizontal, to a band disengaging position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially vertical, wherein in the disengaging position the band holding devices, the actuator, and the flip mechanism are disposed outside a handling space determined by projecting the band opening along a straight line through the band opening and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto.

1 . A vertical banding machine comprising:
 an elastic band supply mechanism for providing an elastic band in a gravity assisted fashion;   at least two band holding devices for:   receiving the elastic band from the elastic band supply mechanism;   stretching the elastic band for providing a band opening surrounded by the elastic band for accommodating a plurality of objects for banding therein; and,   disengaging the elastic band from the holding devices for deploying the elastic band onto the plurality of objects;   an actuator coupled to the band holding devices for moving the band holding devices between a first position for receiving the elastic band and a second position for disengaging the elastic band; and,   a flip mechanism having the band holding devices and the actuator mounted thereto for moving the band holding devices from a band receiving position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially horizontal, to a band disengaging position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially vertical, wherein in the disengaging position the band holding devices, the actuator, and the flip mechanism are disposed outside a handling space determined by projecting the band opening along a straight line through the band opening and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto.   
   
   
       2 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 1  wherein the flip mechanism comprises a flip plate having the band holding devices and the actuator mounted thereto, the flip plate comprising a flip plate opening which is sufficiently large for accommodating the band opening therein. 
   
   
       3 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 2  wherein the flip plate is rotational movable mounted to a frame such that the flip plate is oriented substantially horizontal in the band receiving position and is oriented substantially vertical in the band disengaging position. 
   
   
       4 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 3  comprising a 90 degree rotary actuator for providing rotational movement to the flip plate. 
   
   
       5 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 3  wherein the elastic band supply mechanism is mounted to a top portion of the frame and wherein the flip plate is vertical movable between the band receiving position and the band disengaging position. 
   
   
       6 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 2  wherein the actuator comprises at least two swing arms, each swing arm having a band holding device mounted thereto at a first end portion and being rotatable mounted to the flip plate at a second opposite end portion. 
   
   
       7 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 6  wherein the actuator comprises a rotation ring rotational movable mounted to the flip plate having at least two swing arm guide pins mounted thereto, each swing arm guide pin being movable interfaced with a curved swing arm slot disposed in the respective swing arm such that rotational movement of the rotation ring causes movement of the band holding devices between the first position and the second position. 
   
   
       8 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 1  wherein each of the band holding devices comprises:
 a band holder for holding the elastic band;   a push member for disengaging the elastic band from the band holder; and,   a push actuator mounted to one of the band holder and the push member for providing relative movement between the band holder and the push member.   
   
   
       9 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 1  wherein the elastic band supply mechanism comprises:
 a first gripper for holding a tubing made of elastic band material;   a second gripper for moving the tubing a predetermined length; and,   a cutter for cutting a portion of the tubing having the predetermined length, the predetermined portion forming the elastic band.   
   
   
       10 . A vertical banding machine as defined in  claim 9  wherein the elastic band supply mechanism comprises a tubular guide and a tubing roller for guiding the tubing from a supply container to the first gripper.